The early signs of summer evaporated as the record-breaking heatwave gave way to chillier temperatures - and there could be snow on the way.

Forecasters warned that snow could hit several areas after the weekend, and there could also be widespread frost - causing something of a shock to the system after the unseasonably warm weather.

A new March record for Scotland was set in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, where the mercury reached 23.6C (74.5F) on March 27 - the third successive day that the month's record was broken.

On Saturday that same region experienced temperatures of just 7C (44.6F).

The rest of the UK saw temperatures struggling to get into double figures, said Julian Mayes, forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

He said: "We've seen the temperature drop already, and it will continue to get colder for two to three days.

"It feels quite chilly, but it's not much below average. There could be a touch of frost overnight, and some snow from early next week."

He said it would not be a "major snow event" however, with just high places experiencing a light covering.

Light rain is expected on Sunday, travelling south from the north of Scotland. Combined with Arctic winds, it could then turn to sleet and snow over the Scottish Highlands, Mr Mayes said.

The band of rain will then spread to England, Wales and Ireland, he added, and could again turn to snow on high areas in the south west of England. Next Easter weekend will see more rain, and temperatures will "remain on the cool side", Mr Mayes said.